Kerala Guv approves early release of woman convict in Bhaskara Karanavar murder case

Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has approved a state government recommendation for the early release of a woman convicted in the high-profile Cheriyanad Bhaskara Karanavar murder case, officials said on Friday.

The Governor's approval of the Cabinet's advice clears the way for the release of Sherin, the daughter-in-law of Bhaskara Karanavar and the main accused in the case, by reducing the remaining period of her sentence, they said.

Sherin was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2010 along with three others on charges including murder.

It was on January 28 that the state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, took the decision to advise the Governor.

The state government's decision was based on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, which met on August 8, 2024 at the Kannur Women's Prison and Correctional Home, as well as the opinion of the Law Department.

Karanavar (65), who had returned from the US to Chengannur and had been staying with his son's family, was found murdered in the house in November 2009.

An investigation by the police had revealed the involvement of Karanavar's daughter-in-law, Sherin, in the murder.

The motive behind the murder was Karanavar discovering Sherin's illicit relationship.

Sherin, along with her lover, murdered Karanavar.

The Mavelikkara Fast Track Court sentenced them to life imprisonment. Later, the High Court upheld the verdict. Sherin's appeal to the Supreme Court was also unsuccessful.